Construction Craft with Connectable Base Plates

ABSTRACT

A toy construction craft utilizing construction elements including modular building blocks comprises a base plate usable with a template that directs the user to create a scene and/or usable with a base joiner that enables multiple base plates to be removably connected to form a larger playing surface. The base plate comprises a flat base and an outer flange. The flat base includes a substantially planar building surface configured with forward-facing coupling studs for being interconnected with toy building elements having complementary coupling means, and the flat base includes rearward-facing protrusions that can interface with the template and/or with the base joiner. Additional optional accessories and specialized blocks are also provided, including one or more graphic segments and a frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/649,202 that was filed on Jul. 13, 2017 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,2272,352), which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/202,882 filed on Aug. 9, 2015, which are bothincorporated herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to toy construction crafts, and, moreparticularly, to an assembling system and method comprising a base platefor receiving building blocks, a template that includes guidance indiciato aid in placement of the building blocks to achieve athree-dimensional image, and attachable accessories including a basejoiner for attaching multiple base plates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toy construction crafts have an artistic and educational appeal as wellas presenting an intellectual challenge. One type of construction craftis a three-dimensional (3-D) puzzle that utilizes puzzle pieces ofvarying thicknesses (some thinner and some thicker) and varying shapesto form a 3-D pictorial illustration. Other 3-D construction crafts arecomposed of associated elements that are assembled according to apattern provided in a separate paper booklet.

Additionally, the playing surface area is limited in a constructioncraft that uses a base plate, due to the limitation of the size of thebase plate front surface. At times a larger surface is desirable.

Though conventional toy construction crafts may serve to meet particularrequirements, there remains the need for a new, innovative constructionset that engages and entertains, while challenging the child'simagination and skills.

Accordingly, there is a need for a construction craft that provides newconstruction elements along with an innovative method of assembly,thereby increasing the interest, entertainment, and educational value ofthe toy to the child user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a construction craft which providesfor attachment of modular building blocks to form an assembledcomposition and which provides for joining multiple base plates to forma larger playing surface.

The construction craft presents a 3-D puzzle and incorporates additionalconstruction elements to amuse the user by presenting furthercomplexities to be solved by following the assembly instructions. Theconstruction elements are affixed to or adhered to the finishedassemblage, thus producing a completed construction creation that isvertically displayable, such as on a wall. After completion of theconstruction craft, the construction elements may also be detached,providing repeat play value.

The displayable construction craft comprises multiples ones of thefollowing construction elements: a base plate, a template (which may bea sheet for placement below a transparent base plate or may beincorporated into the base plate), a base joiner, building elementsincluding modular building blocks attachable to the base plate thatcreate a 3-D constructed area, one or more graphic segments providingbackground or adding artistic enhancement to the 3-D constructed area,and, preferably, a frame for consolidating the other constructionelements. The building elements may optionally, additionally includespecialized platform-topped building blocks with associated ornamentalplatform elements and pop-out decorative pieces.

The base plate is configured with upwardly-extending projections or malestuds for receiving building elements with female coupling structurescorresponding to, and attachable to, the male studs. The base platecomprises a flat base with forward-facing base studs on the playingsurface and an outer flange. In an embodiment of the invention, a basejoiner is included that allows multiple base plates to be connected toform a larger playing surface.

The template is configured with at least one designation area ofguidance indicia. In the aspect in which the template is a discretesheet positioned below the base plate, each guidance indicium is viewedthrough the transparent base to inform the user through at least anumeral designation as to the height of the designated modular block orblocks that will be used on that particular projection. Preferably, aparticular guidance indicium disposed below a particular projection alsoinforms the user through a color designation of the proper color of theparticular designated modular block to attach to the particularprojection. The combination of multiple ones of the designated blocksforms the 3-D portion of the artistic composition, while the graphicsegment(s) augments the overall composition, such as by providingbackground graphics. In this aspect with a separate template sheet, thefirst template sheet is exchangeable with other template sheets thatprovide directions for different designed patterns. Thus, in thisaspect, the base plate is usable with multiple templates.

In the aspect in which the template is incorporated into the base plate,the guidance indicia function the same, but are inscribed, printed,imprinted or otherwise displayed on the base plate itself. In thisaspect, the designated pattern is incorporated into the base plate, soto construct a different design, a different base plate thatincorporates guidance indicia designating the different design isrequired.

The graphic segment or graphic segments are fitted around or adjacent tothe constructed 3-D portion of the artistic composition.

The frame secures the base plate, discrete template, and graphic segmentin place to allow the completed artistic composition to be built. Uponcompletion, an optional hanger also allows the user to conveniently hangthe construction craft.

This construction craft provides unique integrated construction elementswith a new method of assembly that utilizes more imagination andingenuity than traditional two or three-dimensional puzzles and that,when completed, provides a more aesthetically pleasing artistic creationthan traditional building block assemblages. Therefore, the educationaland entertainment value are increased over conventionally providedpuzzles and construction crafts.

Advantages of the construction craft include the dimensionality of thecomplex finished art, the interesting mixed-media combinations ofgraphics with building blocks and other building elements, and theinteresting yet straightforward method of assembly. The method ofcombining the colored images of the graphic segments with buildingelements is unique and enables the overall created artwork to be asmaller size than it could otherwise be without losing image details,which would occur if a constructed composition were to be built entirelyof building blocks giving a bitmap effect. Optional building elementsinclude flat platform-topped blocks that can receive flat-bottomedornamental platform elements to add yet another artistic medium, addingto the creative aspect of the invention.

Additional advantages are provided by the base joiner, which allowsmultiple base plates to be connected to increase the playing surface.The connected base plates can also be disconnected to minimize storagespace and shipping costs.

An object of the present invention is to provide a craft that enhancescurrently available construction crafts that utilize base plates andmodular building blocks, thereby increasing interest, educational, andentertainment value.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawingsand from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments whichfollow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be describedin conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate andnot to limit the invention, where like designations denote likeelements.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the basic first embodiment of theconstruction craft of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of thepresent invention showing the discrete template aspect.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the first embodiment of the present inventionthat includes a magnified portion.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the base plate of the first embodiment of thepresent invention showing the base plate-integrated template aspect.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded top perspective view of a second embodiment of thepresent invention that provides a first frame variation added to theelements of the basic first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a detail view of circle 7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a detail view of circle 8 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a detail view of circle 9 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the second embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a detail view of circle 11 of FIG. 10 of the secondembodiment of the present invention showing a frame-integrated hanger.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a partially assembled system of the secondembodiment of the present invention, with the template sheet andtransparent base plate secured by the frame and ready for the user tobuild upon and the with the first block placed on the base.

FIG. 13 is a detail view of circle 13 of FIG. 12 of a frame closuremechanism of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the second embodiment of the present inventionwith the first block placed on the base.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a partially assembled system of the secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a detail view of circle 16 of FIG. 15 of the secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the assembled frame of the second embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a side view of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a top view of an exemplary assembled system of the thirdembodiment of the present invention, which includes a second framevariation and added pop-up decorative pieces building elements.

FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective view of a thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the third embodiment ofthe present invention that is at least partially assembled.

FIG. 22 is a detail view taken from circle 22 of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a detail view taken from circle 23 of FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic top view of the third embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic side view of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic bottom view of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic cut view looking along line 27 of FIG. 24 ofthe third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a detail view taken from circle 28 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a detail view taken from circle 29 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic top exploded view of a fourth embodiment ofthe present invention, which includes a hanger, template sheet, baseplate, graphic segment, frame, standard modular building blocks, andplatform-topped blocks with associated ornamental platform elements.

FIG. 31 is a top perspective view of the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention showing the frame and platform-topped blocks forreceiving the ornamental platform elements.

FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention showing the frame and platform-topped blocks withattached ornamental platform elements.

FIG. 33 is a back view of the fourth embodiment of the present inventionshowing the frame and hanger.

FIGS. 34-37 are top, side, top perspective and bottom views of theplatform-topped block, respectively.

FIGS. 38-42 are exemplary designs of ornamental platform elements.

FIGS. 43-49 are top, top perspective, first side, second side, thirdside, bottom perspective, and top perspective views of the removablyattachable hanger, respectively.

FIG. 50 is a bottom exploded view of the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention, which includes a removably attachable hanger,template, base plate, graphic segment, frame, standard blocks,platform-topped blocks, and ornamental platform elements.

FIGS. 51-55 show a first side view, second side view, third side view,fourth side view, and top view, respectively, of the completed fourthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 56 is a bottom perspective view of base joiners used to joinmultiple base plates of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 57 is a top perspective view of base joiners used to join multiplebase plates of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 58 is a bottom perspective detailed view of a base joiner used tojoin multiple base plates of the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 59 is a bottom perspective view of a detached base joiner and adetached modified base plate of the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 60 is a top perspective detailed view of a corner of a base plateof the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward aconstruction craft integrating multiple construction elements. Theconstruction elements include multiple ones of the following: a baseplate 120, a template 110, a graphic segment 130, a frame 150, aseparable hanger 140, a base joiner 500, and building elements 200. Thebuilding elements 200 include standard modular building blocks 101 and,optionally, pop-up decorative pieces 303 and/or platform-topped blocks145 with associated ornamental platform elements 149, which cooperate tocreate the design of the 3-D structure 105.

The construction craft herein presented provides an activity or craftthat, when assembled, creates a dimensional work of art or dimensionalartistic composition or creation that can be vertically displayed. Theconstruction craft herein presented additionally and optionally providesa base joiner element that is usable to connect multiple base plates 120to increase the playing surface.

Five embodiments are presented. The first four embodiments include thebase plate 120, template 110 configured with guidance indicia 113 (FIG.3) designating the proper modular building block 101 to create the 3-Ddesign, and at least one graphic segment 130 for positioning above thebase plate 120. In these embodiments, the user builds on top of the baseplate 120 using building elements 200 (which include at least standardmodular building blocks 101 and, optionally, pop-up decorative pieces303 and/or platform-topped blocks 145 with associated ornamentalplatform elements 149), with the modular building blocks 101 positionedin a manner designated by the guidance indicia 113 carried by thetemplate 110. Two types of hangers 165 are provided, a frame-integratedhanging feature 151 and a separable hanger 140. Two aspects of thetemplate 110 are provided, one in which the template 110 is a discretetemplate sheet used with a transparent base plate 120, and one in whichthe template is integrated into the base plate.

The fifth embodiment includes at least multiple base plates 120 and atleast one base joiner 500.

FIGS. 1-5 present a basic first embodiment in which the user builds ontop of the transparent base plate 120 using a combination of graphicsegments 130 and modular building blocks 101.

The second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6-18. The second embodimentincludes the elements of the first embodiment, but also adds amulti-piece frame 170.

The third embodiment is shown in FIG. 19-29. The third embodimentincludes the elements of the first embodiment, but also includes atleast one pop-up decorative piece 303 and a second frame variation.

The fourth embodiment is shown in FIGS. 30-53. It includes the elementsof the first embodiment with the addition of a third frame variation andthe addition of platform-topped blocks 145 for receiving ornamentalplatform elements 149.

The fifth embodiment of FIGS. 56-60 includes at least the base plate 120and the base joiner 500. The base plate 120 of the fifth embodiment isusable with the other construction elements of the first fourembodiments.

Turning to FIGS. 1-2, the toy base plate 120 has an upper flat surfaceconfigured with upwardly-projecting male elements, projections, or studs125 upon which a plurality of modular building blocks 101 are to beassembled based on the instructions provided at least by the guidanceindicia 113 disposed in a designation area of the template 110.

The base plate 120 comprises a rigid or partially rigid sheet or flatbase that provides a substantially planar building surface arranged witha number of upwardly-protruding male coupling studs 125 for beinginterconnected with toy building elements 200 having complementaryfemale coupling structures 135. The male coupling studs 125 arepreferably arranged on the same side of the base plate 120 inequidistant rows.

In the aspect in which the template 110 is a discrete template sheet,shown in FIG. 2, the base plate 120 is necessarily transparent to allowviewing of the guidance indicia 113 on the template sheet positionedbelow the base plate 120. In the aspect in which the template 110 isintegrated into the base plate 120, shown in FIG. 4, the guidanceindicia 113 are applied to the base plate 120.

The standard toy modular blocks 101 are preferably formed of plasticmaterial. They are configured with downward-opening female couplingstructures 135 configured to fit onto the male studs 125 and areconfigured with upwardly-extending studs 125 that can accommodate adownward-opening female coupling structure 135 of another modular block101. The female coupling structures 135 are sized and configured tocoordinate with the male studs 125, but may be in any of a variety ofshapes. For example, the female coupling structures 135 may be opencells (as seen in the modular building blocks 101 of FIG. 50), may beformed with ribs inside cylinders, may be formed in any of variousshapes (such as the square cells of platform-topped blocks of FIGS. 37,50), may be formed with or without ribs touching the outside of the malestuds 125, or may be otherwise designed to frictionally connect onto themale studs 125.

In the aspect shown in FIG. 3, the template 110 is a separate sheetconfigured with guidance indicia 113 that, for each male stud 125,inform the user of the height of the modular block 101 to select (whenthe modular blocks 101 are provided in varying heights) and/or how manysingle unit modular blocks 101 will need to be stacked to achieve thedesignated height, which will then be attached to the particularupwardly-projecting stud 125 of the base plate 120. The user can viewthe template 110 below the base plate 120, because the base plate 120 istransparent. In a first aspect, the template 110 is a full colortemplate. In this aspect, the guidance indicia 113 provides a color toinstruct a color pattern to follow and provides numbers instructing adimensional pattern to follow; the provided guidance enables the user tobuild on top of the base plate 120 to create proper dimensions for the3-D portion 105 of the craft. Additionally, the template sheet 110 mayalso indicate, by way of graphic design and/or die line, the locationinto or onto which the graphic segments 130 are to be placed.

In an example, if there is a blue square that includes a number “3” onthe template sheet 110 that is immediately below a particular stud 125on the transparent base plate 120, the user selects (as seen in FIG. 5)a three-high blue block 101 or three one-high blue blocks 101 (with thethree blocks 101 stacked to achieve the three-high designation of thetemplate) and places the blue block(s) having a height of “3” on thatparticular stud 125 on the transparent base plate 120. After the userplaces the first block 101 of appropriate color and height onto theupward projection, the user then notes the guidance indicium 113 belowanother blue stud, and the user selects the next correct block or blocks101, and on and on, to create a pre-determined 3-D constructed structure105 of blocks 101 in one or more areas of the base plate 120.

In some aspects, the guidance indicia 113 may have both the numberdesignation (indicating to the user how high to stack the blocks) andcolor designation (indicating to the user what colors of blocks tostack) on one side of the template sheet 110. In other aspects, thetemplate 110 may have guidance indicia 113 on both the top and bottom,such as a number designation on the top of the template sheet 110 and acolor designation on the bottom surface of the template 110, or viceversa. In another aspect, the guidance indicia 113 may only providenumerical designations.

In the aspect in which the template 110 is integrated into the baseplate 120, the guidance indicia 113 functions in the same manner.

The graphic segment 130 is preferably a flat sheet (such as cardboard,paperboard, or laminated paper) with a decorative graphic printed,embedded, embossed, imprinted, adhered to, or otherwise embellishing thetop surface of the graphic segment 130. The graphic segment 130 may be asingle segment, but may be formed of multiple segments, as seen in FIG.2. In the first embodiment, the graphic segment 130 is configured withdownward-facing female coupling structures 135 as shown in FIG. 5 forengagement with the base plate 120. In another aspect (in embodimentsthat include a frame 150), the graphic segment 130 may be held in placethrough interaction with, or capture by, the frame 150 (FIG. 12). Thegraphic segment(s) 130 are used on top of the base plate 120 along withthe blocks 101. The graphic segment(s) 130 fit around the outside edgesof the block grouping and/or among or between the blocks to form asuitable background and/or an illustration continuing or complimentingthe block-constructed 3-D portion 105 of the construction craft. (Thoughshown diagrammatically in FIG. 20 with a rectangular inner edge,typically the graphic segment(s) 130 would be irregular to fit theconstruction craft design theme, as seen in FIGS. 2, 19.) These graphicsegments 130 advantageously enable the block-constructed 3-D portion 105of the image to appear to have organic shaped edges so that the eye isnot limited to seeing straight edges, as would be the case if onlyblocks were used.

Turning to the second embodiment of FIGS. 6-18, a multi-piece frame 150(FIG. 12) supports the transparent base plate 120, template sheet 110,and at least one graphic segment 130. In this embodiment, the frame 150has at least an upper frame portion 170 and a lower frame portion 175,which are attachable together. For example, the attachment can beprovided by a male snap portion 155 (FIG. 8) that can be manuallyconnected to the female snap portion 178 (FIG. 7) to form the completedframe 150. FIGS. 12-13 show the assembled frame 150 with the male snapportion 155 engaged with the female snap portion 178.

The exploded view of FIG. 10 is inverted with the lower frame portion175 facing upward to reveal a hanger 165, which in the second embodimentmay be a frame-integrated hanging feature 151 (FIG. 11). The hangingfeature 151 may be a hook, a keyhole or another standard hangingmechanism, as is known in the art. The hanging feature 151 may bedisposed within the structure of the frame 150; for example, it may becreated by incorporating the hanging feature 151 within the mold used toform the frame 150.

FIG. 17 shows a back view of the back of the frame 175 and back of thebase plate 120. Optionally, the base plate back surface may be smooth(not shown), configured with indentions opposing the male studs 125 ofthe front surface (as shown), or may be configured with female couplingstructures 135 identical to the female coupling structures 135 of themodular blocks 101.

FIG. 19 shows the pop-up decorative piece(s) 303 of the thirdembodiment, which may be utilized with the other embodiments. The one ormore pop-up decorative pieces 303 complete the artistic composition withadded dimensionality. The pop-up decorative pieces 303, can be attachedin various ways. In one aspect, the pop-up decorative piece(s) 303 canbe configured with attachment holes defined by attachment hole edges 313(FIG. 23). The upwardly-projecting base studs 101 or block studs 302(FIG. 20) protrude through the attachment holes defined by attachmenthole edges 313; then an additional modular block 101 can be placed ontop of the pop-up decorative piece 303 to secure it. In another aspect,the pop-up decorative piece(s) 303 may be applied by the user withadhesive, glue dots, or tape on top of the modular blocks 101 and/or ontop of the graphic segment(s) 130 to complete the 3-D picturecomposition. This is advantageous because the construction is simplifiedcompared to creating all graphic elements out of modular blocks 101, yetthe integrity of the design image is maintained. In another aspect, thepop-up decorative pieces 303 physically extend above and beyond the edgeof the frame 150 to visually break out of the frame 150, therebyproviding a visual enhancement to the overall dimensional artisticcomposition of the construction craft.

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the elements used to create thedimensional artistic composition of the third embodiment. The frame 150includes a lower frame portion 175 and an upper frame portion 170. Boththe upper and lower frame portions 170, 175 are preferably formed ofplastic. The upper frame 170 has an inner edge 304 defining a viewableopening and an outer edge 301. In one aspect, the lower frame 175 alsohas an interior opening defined by inner edge 308, while in a differentaspect, the lower frame 175 extends fully from side to side to form acomplete back frame portion. The lower frame 175 is attachable(preferably removably attachable) to the upper frame 170. For example,the lower frame 175 may be configured with multiple pegs 307 (FIG. 20)that are received by female receiving elements, whereby the pegs 307 ofthe lower frame 175 may be snapped into the female receiving elements ofthe upper frame 170.

The pop-up decorative piece or pieces 303 are building elements that areattachable to modular blocks 101 that are already attached to the baseplate 120; they add an elevated graphical or illustrative presentationthat enhances the artistic design of the construction craft. The pop-updecorative pieces 303 are preferably formed of cardboard or paperboardthat may or may not be laminated or may be formed of printed orunprinted plastic. The preferably full-color graphical adornment of thetop surface of the pop-up decorative pieces 303 may be achieved byprinting, imprinting, inscribing, embossing, adhering of a graphicaldecal or label, lamination with graphics, or otherwise embellishing thetop surface.

The pop-up decorative piece 303 is designed to fit between twohorizontal layers of modular blocks 101. In one aspect, when a pop-updecorative piece 303 goes between two horizontal layers of modularblocks 101, it is configured with attachment holes defined by hole edges313 (FIG. 23) to receive the upward studs 302 on the blocks 101 and/orupward projections 125 on the base plate 120. In another aspect,adhesive, tape or glue dots may be used to attach the pop-up decorativepieces 303 onto the top of the blocks 101 or graphic segments 130; inthis instance, the pop-up decorative piece 303 need not be configuredwith holes 313. Optionally, the pop-up decorative piece 303 may beconfigured with downward-facing female coupling structures 135 toconnect to upward-facing studs 125 of the blocks 101 or of the baseplate 120.

In this third embodiment, the clear plastic base plate 120 is configuredwith upward projections 125 and with multiple alignment holes 305, whichcould be in or near the corners of the base plate 120. One alignmenthole 305 is shown in FIG. 20 in each corner of the base plate 120. Eachalignment hole 305 is configured to accommodate a peg 307 extendingupwardly from the frame corner. Though the illustration of FIG. 20 showspegs 307 and alignment holes 305 in each corner, other locations arewithin the scope of the invention. Each alignment hole 305 is manuallyfitted onto each of the pegs 307 of the base. The pegs 307 may bedisposed on the upper or lower frame, but are shown on the lower frame.Similarly, the template sheet 110 may be configured with alignment holes306. The pegs 307 will help hold the template sheet 110, base plate 120,and any structures built upon the base plate 120 in place during play.To assemble the frame 150, the pegs 307 are inserted through thealignment holes 306 on the template sheet 110, the holes 305 on thestudded base plate 120 and through holes 136 on the graphic segments 130to finally snap into the upper frame portion 170.

In this embodiment, the template sheet 110 is shown with an unnumberedand undesignated border 114 and with a designation area 310 displayingguidance indicia 113. In another aspect, the template sheet 110 need notbe integrated into the construction craft but may merely be placedbeside the construction craft unit and used as an instruction manual. Inanother aspect, the template 110 is integrated into the base plate 120with the color and numeral designations applied directly to the baseplate 120, which then does not need to be clear.

In FIG. 20 a single graphic segment 130 is shown, but optionallymultiple graphic segments 130 can be used. The graphic segments 130 arefitted together following along the edge or edges of the built-upmodular blocks 101, which necessarily have straight edges. The graphicsegments 130 extend outward from the straight edges abutting the blockstoward or, preferably, past the frame 150.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a partially assembled artisticcomposition in its frame 150 with graphic segments 130 in place, withsome blocks 101 stacked, and with two pop-up decorative pieces 303fitting between two layers of blocks on different levels. It also showshow pop-up decorative pieces 303 can extend beyond the outer limits ofthe frame 150 or “break out” of the frame 150. FIG. 22 is a detail ofFIG. 21 showing the stacking of the modular blocks 101 with the pop-updecorative pieces 303 between them.

The detail of FIG. 23 shows the attachment holes defined by hole edges313 on a pop-up decorative piece 303 that are to be fitted onto thestuds 302 of the modular blocks 101. In another aspect, the holes 313can fit onto the similar studs 125 on the plastic base plate 120, asseen in FIG. 25.

FIG. 24 is a top view of the assembled artistic composition illustratingthat pop-up decorative pieces 303 may extend beyond the front of thefront portion 170 of the frame 150.

The frame hanging feature 151 shown in the back view of FIG. 26 is ofthe keyhole type defined by edges 166. This frame hanging feature 151will enable the user to hang the finished artistic composition.Preferably the frame hanging feature 151 is molded into the plastic ofthe lower frame 175. Also, in the aspect shown in FIG. 26, the lowerframe 175 provides a full back sheet without an interior opening.

To use the third embodiment of the invention, the user first assemblesconstruction elements to create a foundational play surface structureonto which the removable and replaceable building elements 200 will beattached to create the artistic composition. To create the foundationalstructure, the user places lower frame 175 onto a surface for support,and then places the template sheet 110 into the frame recess 309 (FIG.20). A clear plastic base plate 120 is then situated above the templatesheet 110. Graphic segments 130 are situated above the base plate 120.Preferably all of these pieces have alignment holes 306, 305, 136 thatare manually placed over pegs 307 of the lower frame 175. Then the upperframe portion 170 is engaged with the lower frame portion 175 to createa robust framed play surface structure for receiving blocks 101 and anypop-up decorative pieces 303 of the particular pre-determined design.

The user then looks at the guidance indicium 113 within the designationarea 310 of template sheet 110 below a particular stud 125 to determinewhich modular block 101 is designated by the guidance indicium 113 tofit the pre-determined design. For example, a block 101 of the correctheight and color is designated. This step is repeated with the otherguidance indicia 113, adding blocks 101 as needed to complete the 3-Dblock construction 105 (FIG. 1) of the pre-determined design pattern.The graphic segments 130 are fitted around the block-constructed 3-Dportion 105. One or multiple pop-up decorative pieces 303 are attached,either between block layers or by adhesive means. Then the completedartistic composition may be hung on a wall by using the frame hangingfeature 151.

The fourth embodiment, which presents a third aspect of the frame andtwo specialized blocks (a separable hanger 140 and a platform-toppedblock 145 with an associated ornamental platform element 149), is shownin FIGS. 30-53. As in the other of the first four embodiments, theconstruction elements include a template 110, base plate 120, graphicsegment(s) 130, and frame 150, which are assembled to form afoundational play surface structure onto which the removable andreplaceable building elements 200 will be attached. In this embodiment,the building elements 200 include standard modular building blocks 101and platform-topped blocks 145 that receive the ornamental platformelements 149. The pop-up decorative pieces 303 of the third embodiment(not shown for clarity) may also optionally be used with the fourthembodiment.

FIG. 30 shows the exploded fourth embodiment from the front, while FIG.50 shows it from the back. As can be seen in these images, the templatesheet 110 may be configured with edge alignment holes 117 defined byedge alignment hole edges 116 and/or may be configured with internalalignment holes 119 defined by internal alignment hole edges 118. Theseholes 117 and/or holes 119 serve to position the template sheet 110correctly as it is situated against the back surface of the base plate120. Preferably the base plate 120 comprises exterior flanges 121 thathave a depth greater than the depth of the template sheet 110, so thetemplate sheet 110 fits within the back portion of the base plate 120.

The rear surface of the base plate 120 is configured with edgeprotuberances 127 (FIG. 50) and/or internal protuberances 129 that aresized and shaped to receive the edge alignment holes 117 and/or theinternal alignment holes 119, respectively. These protuberances 127,129, which are preferably integrally formed when the base plate 120 ismolded, preferably have a length that is equal to or less than the depthof the exterior flanges 121, so the assembled construction craft liesflat. The protuberances 127, 129 may have cross sections that arecircular, square, hexagonal, cross-shaped, or the like. The edgeprotuberances 127 and internal protuberances 129 may have any of anumber of shapes, such as a column having a circular cross section,square cross section, cross-shaped cross section, or a cross section ofother regular or irregular shapes.

After installing the template sheet 110 by slipping the internal holes119 over the protuberances 129, preferably a securing member 144 isattached to the end of each of the protuberances 129. The securingmember 144 is a cap-like element with an internal receiving areaconfigured to fit the external surface of the protuberance 129. Thesecuring member 144 may be formed of rigid plastic, flexible plastic,rubber, rubber-like material, or the like.

Additionally, the base plate 120 is configured with a hanger receiver123 that receives a separable hanger 140. The hanger receiver 123comprises a base plate coupling member, and the separable hanger 140comprises a complementary hanger coupling member. In the figures, thehanger receiver 123 is illustrated as two male coupling members formedof outwardly-protruding pegs, and the separable hanger 140 isillustrated with two female coupling structures 135 (FIG. 44) thatattach to the male coupling members. However, the base plate couplingmember and hanger coupling member can any complementary couplingmembers. For example, the hanger 140 may be configured withoutwardly-projecting studs to fit into the female coupling structures ofstandard modular building block base plate, thereby allowing the hanger140 to be used independently with conventional building block baseplates if they have a rear surface formed to receive projecting malestuds.

To accommodate the coupling of the separable hanger 140 to the hangerreceiver 123 of the base plate, the template sheet 110 may be configuredwith a hanger provision cutout 112 defined by hanger provision edges 111(FIG. 30).

In addition to the hanger coupling members shown as female couplingstructures 135, the separable hanger 140, best seen in FIGS. 43-49, mayhave a backing 143 (FIG. 48), a flange 141, and a keyhole 139. Thebacking 143 forms a back plate with the flange 141 extending generallyaround the perimeter of the backing back plate 139. The flange 143preferably has a depth less than the depth of the base plate flange 121.The keyhole 139, defined by keyhole edges 142, is configured in aconventional manner with a larger lower circle with an upper slot toaccommodate a nail or screw head or the like.

The fourth embodiment also provides a specialized type of buildingblock, which is the platform-topped block 145 that is best seen in FIGS.34-37. The platform block 145 has a lower part 143 configured with astandard coupling means, female coupling structure 135, which is sizedand configured to frictionally engage with standard base plate malestuds 125 or standard block studs 302. At the opposite end of theplatform block 145 is a platform 147, which comprises an integrallyformed thin, flat section. The platform 147 is illustrated as a flatdisk, but may equally well take other shapes. For example, the uppersurface 146 (FIG. 34) may be circular (as shown), square, rectangular,hexagonal, pentagonal, or may take the form of other regular orirregular geometric shapes. The platform 147 extends outwardly past theexterior portions of the block lower part 143. Preferably the width ofthe platform 147 is at least 50% greater than the width of the lowerportion 143 and may have a width of many times the width of the lowerportion 143. Preferably the height of the platform 147 is less than onehalf of the height of the lower part 143 of the block 145. The platformblock 145 is formed of standard plastic block material.

The top surface 146 of a platform block 145 is designed and configuredto receive an ornamental platform element 149. The ornamental platformelement 149 to be received by the top surface 146 has an upper surface156 that is decorative. Preferably the ornamental platform element 149is rigid or semi-rigid, so it will hold its shape when attached to theplatform block 145. Preferably the upper surface 156 displays afull-color graphic. In one aspect the ornamental platform element 149may be a vinyl decal or vinyl sticker displaying a color graphical imageand having a removable backing protecting an adhesive layer, which isadhered to the surface 146. In another aspect, the ornamental platformelement 149 may be a laminated cardboard, paperboard, or plastic sheetthat is adhered to the surface 146 by adhesive. In one aspect a glue dotmay be placed on the surface 146 to adhere the ornamental platformelement 149.

The ornamental platform elements 149 provided in a single constructioncraft kit may be similar in shape, or as seen in FIGS. 38-42, 55 may bevaried in shape. For example, in FIG. 55, the ornamental platformelements 149 complete the designed pattern by being shaped in the formof nose, ears, eyes, and tail. As seen in the side views of FIGS. 51-54,the platform blocks 145 may be positioned at different levels, such asat the top of the first level of blocks, at the top of a two-high blockstack, at the top of a three-high block stack, etc.

To use the fourth embodiment of the invention, the user first assemblesconstruction elements to create a foundational play surface structureonto which the removable and replaceable building elements 200 will beattached to create the artistic composition. To create the foundationalstructure, the user places the template sheet 110 under the base plate120 and slips the internal holes 119 over the protuberances 129 andslips the edge protuberances 127 over the edge holes 117 with alignmentnotches 115 aligned with alignment element 124. A securing member 144 isattached to the distal end of each of the protuberances 129. The graphicelement 130 is then situated into the back of the frame 150 withalignment element 134 aligned with a corresponding alignment elementinside the frame 150. The transparent plastic base plate 120 andattached template 110 is then snapped into the back of the frame 150 byengaging complementary coupling members 128, 158 (FIG. 50). (Optionally,the graphic segment 130 may be situated above the base plate 120.)

The created foundational play surface structure is then complete. Theuser then attaches modular building blocks 101 (as designated by theguidance indicia 113), platform blocks 145 (as designated by guidanceindicia 113 or by accompanying instructions), and any pop-up decorativepieces 303 of the particular pre-determined design, as described above.The associated ornamental platform elements 149 are then attached to theplatform 147 via removal of a sheet covering an adhesive back andattachment of the adhesive back to the top surface 146, via theattachment of a glue dot to the top surface 146 and adherence of anassociated ornamental platform element 149 to the glue dot, or via otherattachment means.

FIGS. 56-60 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the present invention thatcomprises at least one base joiner 500 and at least two modified baseplates 400. The fifth embodiment enables the temporary joining of atleast two base plates 400 to provide a larger playing surface with alarger number of forward-facing base studs 125 available for receivingmodular building blocks 101 and other building elements 200. Theconnected base plates 400 can be disconnected to reduce the horizontaldimensions to reduce shipping costs and/or to improve ease of storage.

The base plates 400 and the base joiner 500 are frictionally engageableand disengageable to allow the user to quickly and easily connect anddisconnect multiple base plates 400.

The base plates 400 of the fifth embodiment generally have the sameconfiguration as the base plates 120 of the first four embodiments withthe addition of a frictional engagement mechanism that interacts with acorrelating frictional engagement mechanism of the base joiner 400. Inone exemplary aspect, the frictional engagement mechanism is arearward-facing internal protuberance 129 that is disposed near a cornerof the base plate 400 but within the outer flange, which is designatedas a rearward-facing corner protuberance 420. In this aspect, the basejoiner 500 comprises a receiving void 520 defined by receiving void wall521 (FIG. 58). The receiving void 520 is sized and configured to receivethe rearward-facing protuberance 420. In an example shown in thefigures, the rearward-facing protuberance 420 is a cross-shapedprojection formed integrally with the base plate and extendingrearwardly a distance equal to or less than the height of the outerflange. In the example shown in the figures, the receiving void 520 isthe opening within a cylindrical tube having an interior diameter equalto or slightly greater than the diameter of the rearward-facingprotuberance 420.

Optionally, but preferably, when the base joiner 500 is used to join twoor more base plates, the base plates are not elevated, but the flangesremain in the same plane as before the connection by the base joiner500. This allows the bottom of the flanges to continue to contact theflat surface upon which it is to rest, such as the tabletop, floor,desk, etc. To facilitate this, in an aspect of the invention, a set ofcorner slots 410 defined by corner slot edges 411 are disposed a shortdistance from the corner of the base plate. One of the set of cornerslots 410 is disposed within a first flange, and the other of the set ofcorner slots 410 is disposed within an adjacent second flange. In thisaspect a support structure 510 (FIG. 56) is disposed between each set ofadjacent void walls 521 of the base joiner 500. Each of the corner slots410 is sized and shaped to receive one of the support structures 510,thereby allowing the base joiner 400 to slide down and remain above theplane defined by the bottoms of the base plate flanges.

One or more additional support structures 530 may be disposed within thebase joiner 500 to add stability to the piece.

To connect multiple base plates using a single base joiner 500, two tofour base plates 400 are obtained. The base plates 400 are aligned withtheir corners adjacent to each other and the rearward surfaces facingup. Then the base joiner 500 is positioned with the base joiner voids520 aligned above the corresponding corner rearward-facing protuberances420. The support structures 521 are simultaneously aligned with thecorner slots 410. Then the base joiner 500 is pushed toward the flatbase of the base plate with the rearward-facing protuberance 420frictionally engaging with the joiner void walls 521, whilesimultaneously the support structures 521 are slid into the corner slots410.

Though illustrated as a four-sided base plate, the base plate in any ofthe embodiments may have three or more sides. Though the receiving voidwall 521 is shown as defining an open receiving void 520 to allow thebase joiner 500 to be reversable. However, this is not required; thereceiving void 520 may have one closed end.

The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practicedin the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosedherein. The mirror image of each design is also disclosed.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A construction craft utilizing modular buildingblocks each of which has a male stud and a complementary, opposingfemale coupling structure, comprising: a transparent base platecomprising a flat base having at least three outer edges, an outerflange, multiple forward-facing base studs, and multiple rearward-facingprotuberances; wherein said base studs extend upwardly from said flatbase, are integrally formed with said flat base, and are configured toreceive said block female coupling structure; wherein saidrearward-facing multiple protuberances extend rearwardly from said flatbase and are integrally formed with said flat base; and a template sheetsized and configured to be received below said base plate and having atleast one area of designation configured with guidance indiciacomprising multiple guidance indicium; wherein said template sheet isconfigured with internal alignment holes defined by internal alignmenthole edges; wherein each of said internal alignment holes willaccommodate one of said rearward-facing multiple protuberances; andwherein said guidance indicia provides information to indicate a heightof at least one of said modular building blocks that is designated to beattached to said particular one of said base studs; and wherein, uponplacement of multiple designated ones of said modular building blocks onones of said base studs, a three-dimensional block constructionstructure is created.
 2. The construction craft, as recited in claim 1,wherein said guidance indicium is associated with a particular one ofsaid base studs and comprises a number on a colored field, indicatingboth said height and a color of said of at least one of said modularbuilding blocks that is designated to be attached to said particular oneof said base studs.
 3. The construction craft, as recited in claim 1,further comprising a pop-up decorative piece having a decorative topsurface; wherein said pop-up decorative piece is attachable to saidconstruction craft.
 4. The construction craft, as recited in claim 1,further comprising a thin pop-up decorative piece having a decorativetop surface and having multiple attachment holes defined by attachmenthole edges extending vertically through said thin pop-up decorativepiece; wherein said attachment holes have a larger diameter than thediameter of said male stud of said modular building block; and whereinthe spacing between said attachment holes corresponds to the spacingbetween said base studs of said base plate.
 5. The construction craft,as recited in claim 1, further comprising a frame having a rear portionconfigured to accommodate said template sheet and said base plate. 6.The construction craft, as recited in claim 1, further comprising aplatform block having an upper platform with flat top surface and havingan opposing lower female coupling structure that is complementary tosaid base studs of said base plate.
 7. The construction craft, asrecited in claim 1, further comprising a base joiner configured withmultiple receiving voids each defined by a void wall; wherein: a portionof said outer flange extends along each of said outer edges of said flatbase; a flange corner is formed where two of said portions of said outerflange meet; one of said multiple rearward-facing protuberances isdisposed near said flange corner; and one of said multiple receivingvoids is configured to receive said one of said multiple rearward-facingprotuberances disposed near said flange corner.
 8. The constructioncraft, as recited in claim 7, wherein: said flange is configured with atleast two slits defined by slit edges; said at least two slits aredisposed near said flange corner; said base joiner comprises supportstructures disposed between each of said multiple receiving voids; andeach of said at least two slits are configured to removably receive oneof said support structures of said base joiner.
 9. The constructioncraft, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a separable hangerhaving a back configured with a keyhole and having at least two hangerfemale coupling structures configured to receive one of said multiplerearward-facing protuberances.
 10. The construction craft, as recited inclaim 1, further comprising at least one graphic segment.
 11. Aconstruction craft utilizing modular building blocks each of which has amale stud and a complementary, opposing female coupling structure,comprising: a base plate comprising a flat base having at least threeouter edges, an outer flange, multiple forward-facing base studs, andmultiple rearward-facing protuberances; wherein said base studs extendupwardly from said flat base, are integrally formed with said flat base,and are configured to receive said block female coupling structure;wherein said rearward-facing multiple protuberances extend rearwardlyfrom said flat base and are integrally formed with said flat base;wherein a portion of said outer flange extends along each of said outeredges of said flat base; wherein flange corners are formed where two ofsaid portions of said outer flange meet; wherein one of said multiplerearward-facing protuberances is disposed near said flange corner; and abase joiner comprising at least two void walls defining at least tworeceiving voids; wherein each of said receiving voids removablyaccommodates said one of said multiple rearward-facing protuberancesdisposed near said flange corner.
 12. The construction craft, as recitedin claim 11, wherein: said flange is configured with at least two slitsdefined by slit edges; said at least two slits are disposed near saidflange corner; said base joiner comprises support structures disposedbetween each of said at least two receiving voids; and each of said atleast two slits are configured to removably receive one of said supportstructures of said base joiner.
 13. The construction craft, as recitedin claim 11, wherein: said base joiner comprises four void wallsdefining four receiving voids; and said base joiner comprises foursupport structures.
 14. The construction craft, as recited in claim 11,wherein said base is substantially transparent; and further comprising atemplate sheet sized and configured to be received below said baseplate, having alignment holes extending vertically through said templatesheet defined by alignment hole edges configured to receive saidrearward-facing protuberances, and having at least one area ofdesignation configured with guidance indicia comprising multipleguidance indicium; wherein, when said template sheet is positioned belowsaid base plate, each guidance indicium is positioned under a particularone of said base studs and each guidance indicium provides informationto indicate both a height and a color of at least one of said modularbuilding blocks that is designated to be attached to said particular oneof said base studs; wherein, upon placement of multiple designated onesof said modular building blocks on correlating ones of said base studs,a three-dimensional block construction structure is created.
 15. Theconstruction craft, as recited in claim 11, further comprising at leastone graphic segment having a decorative top surface and configured toextend beyond said base plate outer flange.
 16. The construction craft,as recited in claim 11, further comprising a pop-up decorative piecehaving a decorative top surface; wherein said pop-up decorative piece isattachable to said construction craft; and wherein said pop-updecorative piece, upon attachment to said construction craft, extendspast said outer flange of said base plate.
 17. The construction craft,as recited in claim 11, further comprising a thin pop-up decorativepiece having a decorative top surface and having multiple attachmentholes defined by attachment hole edges extending vertically through saidthin pop-up decorative piece; wherein said attachment holes have alarger diameter than the diameter of said male stud of said modularbuilding block; and wherein the spacing between said attachment holescorresponds to the spacing between said base studs of said base plate.18. The construction craft, as recited in claim 11, further comprising aframe having a rear portion configured to accommodate said templatesheet, said base plate, and said at least one graphic segment.
 19. Theconstruction craft, as recited in claim 11, further comprising: aplatform block having an upper platform with flat top surface and havingan opposing lower female coupling structure that is complementary tosaid base studs of said base plate; an ornamental platform elementhaving a flat bottom surface and a decorative top surface; and anattachment means for attaching said ornamental platform element to saidflat top surface of said platform block.
 20. The construction craft, asrecited in claim 11, further comprising a separable hanger having a backconfigured with a keyhole and having at least two hanger female couplingstructures; wherein said base plate is configured with at least tworearwardly-facing male coupling structures complementary to said atleast two hanger female coupling structures.